Bill > SB5798

This bill aims to increase public school participation in the community eligibility provision (CEP) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The key provisions are: 1. Public schools with at least 40% "identified students" (those directly certified for free meals based on participation in other assistance programs) must participate in the CEP, which provides free meals to all students in participating schools. Schools with less than 40% identified students can also participate if authorized by federal law. 2. School districts must group public schools to maximize the number eligible for the CEP, even if individual schools have less than 40% identified students as long as the group average is at least 40%. 3. The requirements apply to charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools in the same way as public schools. The bill will only take effect if specific funding is provided in the state's operating budget by June 30, 2022.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5798&Year=2021&Initiative=false